2

nights

Lima, Peru

City of the Kings

Founded in 1535 by Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, Lima represents an interesting blend of modern attractions and preserved colonial architecture, much of it clustered in the World Heritage-listed city center.

Phoenix, USA to Lima is an approximately 15-hour flight. Traveling from Phoenix to Lima, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Phoenix in December: highs in Lima hover around 75°F, while lows dip to 66°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Arequipa.

Traveling by flight from Lima to Arequipa takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Lima in December; daily highs in Arequipa reach 69°F and lows reach 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Cusco.

2

nights

Cusco, Peru

Imperial City

Capital of the Inca Empire for three centuries, World Heritage-listed Cusco is now a major tourist destination, drawing nearly 2 million annual tourists with its well-preserved colonial architecture and proximity to Machu Picchu.

Fly from Arequipa to Cusco in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Arequipa in December, plan for little chillier nights in Cusco, with lows around 46°F. On the 10th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Machu Picchu.

You can do a combination of train, taxi, and flight from Machu Picchu to Mexico City in 15.5 hours. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Machu Picchu to Mexico City due to the time zone difference. December in Mexico City sees daily highs of 72°F and lows of 47°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) so you can travel back home.